Losing a loved one in a bus collision is a devastating tragedy no family should endure. Though no amount of money can ever make up for your loss, holding negligent parties accountable and recovering fair compensation can provide a sense of justice and financial stability during this difficult time. This article provides an overview of how an experienced wrongful death attorney can assist your family in obtaining maximum compensation after a fatal bus crash in San Diego.

In Numbers: San Diego Bus Accident Deaths

Even though buses are usually extremely safe, San Diego’s streets nonetheless see far too many fatal collisions. Data collated by the San Diego Association of Governments show that:

• From 2018 to 2022, there were 203 bus accidents in the San Diego region.
• These bus incidents resulted in 172 injuries and 2 fatalities.
• Majority (168) of these bus collisions involved another motor vehicle.
• Most of the San Diego bus crashes occurred while the bus was going straight or stopped.

These figures show that more needs to be done to enhance bus safety and hold responsible any negligent party involved.

Common Causes of Fatal Bus Crashes

Buses are necessary for transportation, but because of their size and weight, they also present significant safety hazards. Vehicle accidents happen as a result of careless actions by manufacturers, companies, or bus drivers. Among the frequent reasons for fatal bus accidents in California are:

• Driver negligence: It is possible for bus drivers to engage in risky activities such as speeding, drunk-driving, or texting while driving. Some bus drivers may not have the necessary training or expertise to drive a bus. Their carelessness frequently has lethal results.
• Poor maintenance: Ignoring worn parts, neglecting inspections, and putting off routine maintenance can all lead to the breakdown of vital bus components like brakes, which can cause an accident.
• Manufacturing flaws: Faulty tires or brakes, for example, might cause buses to lose control and crash. If bus manufacturers use inferior parts or disregard safety recalls, they may be held accountable.
• Dangerous roads or intersections: Inadequate lighting and signs on poorly built roads can raise the danger of accidents. If a government agency failed their responsibility of keeping roads safe, they may be held accountable.

Handling Wrongful Death Claims After Serious Bus Accidents in San Diego

The aftermath of a deadly bus crash leaves grieving families overwhelmed. An attorney can handle time-sensitive legal filings while families focus on healing. Key steps include:

• Evidence preservation: Videos, maintenance logs, reports from medical examiners, and other sources can be helpful. A competent lawyer acts quickly to gather evidence before it’s lost.
• Examining the crash: It’s important to figure out how and why the collision happened. Attorneys from a reputable law firm can investigate liability using methods such as expert hiring, witness interviews, inspections, and more.
• Claims filing: There are strict deadlines for bringing wrongful death lawsuits. These intricate legal filings are handled by an attorney.
• Settlement negotiations: Not many cases go to trial – most claims settle through out-of-court negotiations. Hence, your lawyer should be an experienced negotiator who goes after maximum compensation on your behalf.

Complex Evidence-Gathering in Fatal Bus Crash Claims

After a California bus accident, obtaining fair compensation requires navigating a challenging legal process. To create the best case possible, your lawyer should conduct a comprehensive investigation:

• Obtaining the crash report, which offers a preliminary analysis of the collision’s circumstances and the parties involved.
• Collecting witness statements from passengers, bystanders, and other motorists nearby when the collision happened. These can provide critical details to help establish liability.
• Reviewing footage from any bus, traffic, or city cameras near the vehicle accident scene. Video evidence often conclusively shows who caused the crash.
• Examining the “black box” of the bus, which records the driver’s inputs prior to contact, including speed and braking. This can highlight risky habits like speeding or driving while distracted.
• Examining the damaged vehicles and accident site for defects like faulty brakes or poor road design that may have contributed to the crash.
• Requesting a toxicology report if it appears the motorist was intoxicated.

Compensation Available in Fatal Bus Crashes

Though no amount of money could ever replace your loved one, financial compensation allows you to cover expenses, account for lost income and benefits, and seek justice. A good lawyer should fight for full compensation by seeking both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages compensate for tangible losses like:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses related to the accident
• Loss of financial support and inheritance
• Loss of employment benefits like health insurance.

Non-economic damages provide compensation for intangible losses:

• Loss of companionship
• Pain and suffering of the deceased
• Loss of consortium between spouses
• Emotional anguish.

By thoroughly calculating all economic and non-economic damages, your attorney can pursue the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve.

Why Hire a San Diego Wrongful Death Lawyer?

The weeks and months after a loved one’s death are incredibly difficult emotionally. You should not have to worry about proving legal negligence or fighting with insurance companies on top of grieving. An attorney will handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on healing. These include:

• Gathering police reports, camera footage, and other evidence from the crash scene
• Determining all potential sources of compensation and who to name as defendants
• Filing your claim before strict deadlines to preserve your right to damages
• Proving negligence and liability on the part of all responsible parties
• Accurately calculating the full economic value of your wrongful death damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies to demand fair settlement offers
• Zealously advocate for you in court if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached
• Helping secure financial assistance for you until case resolution
• Guiding and updating you every step of the way.

Contact Our San Diego Bus Crash Wrongful Death Attorneys

The experienced bus accident attorneys at Hamparyan Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help Southern California families who lost someone in a deadly bus collision. We know this is an incredibly difficult time, and we’re ready to assist you through the legal process while you grieve and heal. Please call us today at (619) 550-1355 to discuss your case in a free consultation.